Faults:

Fuel pump needed replacement.

Carburetor needed cleaning.

CV joints were replaced twice.

CV joint covers also replaced twice.

Radiator required replacement.

Window cracked due to window frame corrosion.

Standad wear & tear (battery, tires).

General Comments:

An amazingly reliable workhorse. Keeps running despite old age (never towed at 20 years of age). Highly tolerant to abuse. Built very simply, and hence easy and cheap to maintain.

The car is quite agile. The trunk is rather large.

All else (handling, safety, comfort, noise reduction) is very basic.

Excellent for a person looking to spend minimum time and money on maintenance.

Faults:

C.V. joint replaced at 245,000Km.

R/Rear shock absorber replaced at 250,000Km, (other shocks getting tired)

I removed the catalytic converter at 260.000Km ant noticed a marked power and fuel economy increase.

The drivers door elecctric window has started to fail.

General Comments:

This car was used as a rental car until I purchased it at an auction. It appears to have been serviced well and I have continued to service it every 5000Km. I find it extreemly reliable and although I drive it hard it is reasonably economical.

The suspension is getting tired and needs new springs and sway bar.

I plan to keep it till "death do us part" (mine, or the cars!)

Faults:

CV joints while still under warranty.

Head cracked or corroded allowing oil into the cooling system at about 108000km. Less than a year later (120000km) it now seems to have a head gasket leak. I suspect this is poor workmanship when replacing the head. It has oil leaks since that time. I will fix it myself this time.

General Comments:

If I recall correctly I think they advertised this as a "small limousine". It has lived up to to this. When I first got it I loved driving it and ten years later I still love driving it.

I had a Camry before and since, as well as a Ford Falcon. They are no longer with me, but I still have the Applause.

I would buy a new one if they were still available and perhaps a little bigger. Even though I have had some recent head trouble it is too good a car to get rid of.

It is surprisingly nimble and the auto is well matched to the engine.